Mothers' Day: gift etiquette

Former_MSE_Andrea

We've been discussing in the office whether it's acceptable to buy mothers' day gifts from, eg Poundland, charity shops etc.

How much would/have you spent or is acceptable?

Is it ok to be frugal or should you go all-out as it's your mum?

engineer_amy

its perfectly acceptable to be frugal. its the thought that counts. I bought my mum a mug from a pound shop that had a funny slogan on it, because it described my mum perfectly. she had a good laugh when she opened it.

[Deleted User]

Depends how much you value your Mum doesn't it?

My kids will be getting (ok, I will be) their Mum flowers, cards and some Molton Brown smellies. Poundshop? Err, no

kingfisherblue

My mum wouldn't want me to spend too much on her, as she knows money is tight. Instead, something thoughtful rather than generic, plus spending time with her, is far more important.

lazer

My mum doesn't like me spending too much on her, I will get something thoughtful I know she will like but inexpensive, and most importantly I will spend time with her.

Money_maker

Exactly, its the item rather than the price. Engineer Amy got something inexpensive but right on the button for her mum which was much appreciated. Flowers & chocs are nice but show a lack of imagination IMO.

Lily-Rose_3

I don't think there is any need to spend any more than five to ten pounds for your mother on mother's day. However, a gift from poundland seems a bit 'too' frugal.

Flyonthewall

I always think why spend more than you have to? If you can get the gift you want at a poundshop or charity shop why not? Seems silly to buy the same thing elsewhere if it's going to cost far more. The person you give the gift to isn't going to know any better and it doesn't mean you care any less, just that you don't spend more than you can afford which is sensible.

I have a rough budget so the less I spend on each item the more things I can buy.

How much and what is acceptable really depends. Some can afford to spend a bit more and sometimes you may spend a little more if there's something they really want. I don't think there's a general figure you can put on it. It's different for everyone.

Jagraf

MSE_Andrea wrote: »

We've been discussing in the office whether it's acceptable to buy mothers' day gifts from, eg Poundland, charity shops etc.

How much would/have you spent or is acceptable?

Is it ok to be frugal or should you go all-out as it's your mum?

I would much rather my daughter write me a poem than doend a penny of her saturday job money to line the pockets of others. And surely you buy what you can afford not what you can't. And frugal is subjective.

tea_lover

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Depends how much you value your Mum doesn't it?

My kids will be getting (ok, I will be) their Mum flowers, cards and some Molton Brown smellies. Poundshop? Err, no

The value of my mum couldn't possibly be expressed in monetary terms.

She'd far rather have a visit, a homemade card, a phone call, a chat, etc. than some overpriced flowers and generic gift.

Jagraf

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Depends how much you value your Mum doesn't it?

My kids will be getting (ok, I will be) their Mum flowers, cards and some Molton Brown smellies. Poundshop? Err, no

Mine used to make me cards and pick me flowers. So cost was even less than the pound shop.